7 INSANELY CUNNING Travel Scams to Look Out for in 2024 ✈️

[@ProjectUntethered]

Share your travel scam experiences in the comments to help other travelers avoid them👇 Here are the links I mentioned in this video: 👉 COMPLETE Anti-Travel Scam Cheat Sheet (free): bit.ly/3us3JhM 👉 Travel eSIM for heavy data users (discount code PROJECTUNTETHERED): bit.ly/41DWwYw 👉 Travel eSIM for tethering and lighter data users (discount code MITCH9827): bit.ly/3IlWfkX

[@MsPeggyCruise411]

Thank you for sharing. At NCL’s port in Belize, there is Mahogany Bar and Grill, “be on alert” the short Latin male will keep part of your change on purpose! I demanded the rest of my money! He said, ‘we have to split our tips’😳

[@ProjectUntethered]

Nice work! Important to always count change!

[@marcjtdc]

well its common sense that even if its a 100% legit phone number website or email and someone asks for you to verify your card number it's always a scam.

[@toboekey1273]

​@ProjectUntethered hey u should get a credit card with no foreign transaction fee and u should get capital one credit card cuz they have virtual cards for your physical credit card so u can juat use your virtual credit card and after the transaction u can have the virtual credit card changed instantly 😁 so good luck to the scammers in trying to steal money from your credit card 🤣🤣🤣 i love virtual credit cards

[@ProjectUntethered]

I need to use this feature more!

[@BitSmythe]

*This is one of the best videos ever. NO stolen videos, stupid sound effects, fake laughs, stupid loud “music” or a narrator who loves to hear his own voice. DIRECT, TO THE POINT. CONGRATULATIONS!!!*

[@ProjectUntethered]

You win the nicest comment of the day award! 🏆🏆🏆

[@23daughters]

And easy on the eye too ;)

[@Quazmodic]

... and addresses only Americans. (on the Wotld Wide Web) LOL

[@judybrown4922]

​@@Quazmodic1:45 1:46

[@Quazmodic]

@@judybrown4922 Meaningless comment. Meaningless time stamps.

[@ikeskifan]

Here is a little tip. Before going to a country do a series of Google searches to come up with the profile of the police chief.. screenshot it and put it on your phone as wallpaper. If a cop tries to scam you simply show him the cops pic. He will leave you alone very fast

[@ProjectUntethered]

HAha this is genius. Have you actually tried this?

[@christopherm5958]

Great advice. I'll use that one TY

[@tessajones9393]

Lol scam inception

[@albertngai3112]

WA HA HA! Good one!

[@williamaungleyraud]

I absolutely despise restaurants that do not display prices in their menus, that means that your face will dictate the price. Also it's a good idea to snap a photo of your food prior eating, not so you post online, but as proof of what you actually had because often places may sneak another dish or drink in your bill then will use your language barrier agaist you, forcing you into payng for something you've never had.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Oooo snapping a pic of your food is a great tip as well - very smart!

[@brucehuddler7518]

I ate in a Restaurant, party of 3. After finishing the meal, Waitress brought us a bill for party of 6. Read your bill, check it for accuracy.

[@kevwwong]

Smart idea. Also a good idea to have a conversion app on your phone. I'm just off a cruise, and most of the ports take US dollars. But not always. Example: I had a fellow cruiser ask the tour guide if 3000 MXN was a good tip for his services (spoiler alert: it is an EXTREMELY good tip and the guide said as much)

[@johnl7443]

You can ask the price or leave if you don’t like the vibe

[@Number6_]

I am not going to eat food from strangers I can't trust! The only real thing you will get is food poisoning and disintary.

[@michaelb2388]

You don't hand over your passport to anyone in public. Hand them a copy and tell them your passport is in your hotel safe - even if it's in your money belt.

[@jimshelley8831]

I always have a pic of my passport on my phone.

[@jimshelley8831]

I always buy a SIM card at the airport, might cost a little more but they are legitimate. Not all phones take eSims.

[@annemiura7767]

My mother was a great traveler and taught us to protect our passport at all costs. By the time I was 10 , my mother,my brothers and I had already circumnavigated the globe. I still travel internationally and, fingers crossed, have never been snagged by a scam - thanks to mum !! I am glad you alerting people to the various travel scams, some of which can really ruin a trip .

[@tessajones9393]

100%. Copies of passports are the number one thing to do, I reckon.

[@mikeydude750]

Depends on the country. In Japan you're required to have your passport on you at all times.

[@w_w_whitey]

Booking scam happened to us recently too. I was able to avoid it because I'd seen a video like this one. Thanks for keeping us all informed!

[@ProjectUntethered]

I'm glad you were able to avoid it - that's a sneaky one!

[@brucehuddler7518]

So, Never trust any stranger outside a Restaurant, Never do a ATM pull with anyone near by, use ATM’s in front of banks with security guards present, do not talk to strangers at ATM’s, especially giving you advice, Never get involved with any taxi driver during (any other than fare) purchases. Go in bar, pay bill with cash, don’t hand them your card.

[@h2otruck]

In Aruba Dec 2023, the Airbnb wifi must have been hacked. I'd emailed my airline because I couldn't use online check in. The response was that my flights to Curacao had been cancelled due to lack of payment. I replied that's not possible, I booked the flights in May. They responded to send my credit card info to see what had happened with payment. At that moment my Spidey senses kicked in. I called the airline, spoke to an agent who said my flights were intact, no need to worry!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thank goodness for those spidey senses - yikes! That's a good reminder to always use a VPN when you're not sure about the wifi security, including Airbnbs!

[@jonbarnard7186]

Another tip: Always ask for one menu to be left on your table to avoid price switches when the bill comes. And if there is a sandwich board out front that lures you with a deal, snap a picture of it, so you can bring it up when the bill comes and that special price has disappeared.

[@Reed-2big]

Olive Garden used to have two menus one for groups!

[@nyc222113]

There is so much danger of getting scammed everywhere. Be it in or out of the country, one has to stress about everything all the time. What has life become? And it's not getting better!

[@ClarityDetermination]

I think you can do all these things with little stress. It's not much different than a game.

[@nadiataylor2566]

Listening to all these scams and reading comments, it really puts me off travelling anywhere :-(

[@vaska1999]

I've been travelling all over the world for the past 50 years and have never run into any of these scams.

[@BarnaliD]

No, don't let this stop you from traveling. There is SO MUCHto be gained from traveling as opposed to any losses.

[@tessajones9393]

I mean, it can happen in home countries, I presume.

[@nadiataylor2566]

@@tessajones9393 zit absolutely can. But the difference is in your own country you speak to local language, understand the customs and how things work and can more easily discern when something doesn't look, feel or sound right...

[@lollypopdrop3961]

@@vaska1999 Well Buddy,,,,,, You must have been booked in the Penthouse at The PLAZA HOTEL in NYC, where "KEVIN" stayed over the Christmas Holidays in "Home Alone" 😂😂😂🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🗽🗽🗽🗽 the rest of us,,, are struggling with No-tell , Motel 6

[@przemyslawkrata3819]

Thank you for this honest advice. I can confirm that menu switching is a real problem in several countries and I have encountered it in Bulgaria. First you order food with the cheaper menu in hand, then the waiter takes the orders AND all the menu cards from the table, ultimately the bill is much higher. If you remember the prices, you'll be asked to check the numbers again, but the menu "magically" shows a completely different set of prices for the same dishes. In the end you have to pay, being aware of the fraud but not being able to prove it in another country, another language, etc.

[@vaska1999]

That's a pretty elaborate, planned out scam. 😮

[@albertngai3112]

In Canada, restaurant wait staff have been bringing the mobile credit card terminal to the table for probably 10 years now. We NEVER put our card in the little black folder and let them take it away. Paying the bill is always done at the table so that our card never leaves our hand. The waiter leaves the terminal at the table or stands a metre away and waits. The tip is calculated right on the terminal and entered in. There is no receipt signing. Most of the time, we tap the card. This was also done in Japan, Thailand and Europe. USA, you guys need to get with the times.

[@albertngai3112]

@@ron_google5742 Calling police escalates the matter to a whole other level and will ruin that day on vacation. I was merely pointing out the practice with credit cards in general in Canada, which has been that way for more than 10 years. So, any time you choose to use your cc for a purchase, it's just better if you don't let the card leave your hand.

[@chuckinhouston9952]

Most restaurants in Houston have done it the way you describe for ~10 years. The USA is a big country. Many smaller towns still do it the old way.

[@ClarityDetermination]

Really you had to write it that way? Not very 🇨🇦

[@albertngai3112]

@@chuckinhouston9952 3 cheers for Houston. I was referring to Chicago, New York, LA, and smoother spots I've been to. Not small towns.

[@ronv6637]

You're still in canada,need I say more?

[@chilesauce7248]

When the waiter brings the card machine, swipe and put the wrong pin code in, if it is a scam the machine will accept the wrong pin.

[@terry_willis]

This is a brilliant suggestion.

[@PsychicLord]

I experienced a scam in a Bangkok hotel back in November. Someone in the hotel skimmed the room safe, I had two pouches each containing £1,000. Because I incorrectly assumed the hotel room safes were secure, I did not check the pouches until 10 days later. Checking, I found that one pouch only contained £500, and the other £420. Since the hotel does not take responsibility, I lost over £1,000, and spent the rest of my vacation carrying the remaining funds on my person.

[@Male666chauvinist]

What’s the name of the hotel Sir

[@Gaiaempower]

Can you extrapolate on how they skimmed to room safe please and is there a way to avoid this happening? That's a real concern!

[@patriciaandrada4]

I never bring too much cash when I travel, as much as possible I use credit card for food and shopping. I usually stay in reputable hotels or an Airbnb. I also don’t put my cash in the safe, I stash it elsewhere 😊

[@PsychicLord]

@@Male666chauvinist All I can say is it was a 5 Star in the Sukhumvit area. Thai hotels do not like to be embarrassed by bad shoutouts, sadly doing so can lead to future complications.

[@PsychicLord]

@@Gaiaempower Since certain employees know the master code, I can only assume this is how they got access.

[@fargosnow994]

Tip: always have two credit cards and two ATM cards. Pack one set deep. You can cancel a card if you need to and have one to use.

[@DrCalvinTeach]

Got scammed in Bogota with a variation of the restaurant scam. We went out for drinks from the drink menu they gave us. I knew exactly what the price would be and the waitress was so nice and helpful. Then the bill came out and it was 4X as much!!! I asked for the waitress who helped us. She just “disappeared” and when I asked for her they said “no one by that name works here.” Then the manager, a male and several security came out and he says “is there a problem here?” What am I gonna do? So I paid the amount and had a bitter lesson about being wiser when I travel.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow that is crazy! I’m so sorry that happened to you :-(

[@tjripl10]

Ate with Thai friends in Thailand . There was a special on the menu. After I ate and payed my Thai friend looked at the receipt and immediately went to the cashier and demanded the extra money taken. They gave the money back and done.

[@SuperSarah1954]

In Honolulu, I came across a well dressed disabled tourist who was holding a broken front wheel from his wheelchair. I stopped to see if he was alright and with tears in his eyes he told me his wheelchair was broken and he needed a taxi to get to his hotel as he had no other way of getting back. So I gave him $20. Afterwards I wondered if it was a scam or genuine, but his face was red with anguish and there were real tears there. A year later I'm back in Honolulu again. Coming out of a restaurant one morning, I came across a familiar sight. The same person, in a broken wheelchair, holding his detached front wheel and was talking to a gentleman who was then getting his wallet out. I went over there like a shot and got up real close and said "Hey, do you remember me? - I'm the Australian tourist you had me with this scam last year!". With that the gentleman smiled and put his money away. At first the scammer said that he was genuine and that the wheel had failed again (a year later!) - pitiful!!. I gave him a verbal dressing down and afterwards he did look a bit sheepish - but who knows, he was a good actor after all. I told him that if I saw him again I'd report him to the police - and I'd really put him in a wheelchair.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow that is crazy! Seems like he’s had lots of time to practice his act 🙄

[@mandiigraham1596]

Thanks for all the info. I am always aware that scammers are everywhere and I don’t trust anyone. You presented some new info , which goes to show there is no end to the scam lifestyle.

[@Twogirlsabroad]

Thanks for the scam videos. This world is more and more sketchy. Sad that we have to live in a world like this. But here we are. Thanks for sharing your story so others stay safe!!

[@vladimiradoshev5310]

You forgot to mention that every CC transaction can be charged back in case of a fraud. I use CC everywhere I can not only because its handy, but also because you can apply for a chargeback in case of a fraud. And a good advice would be: carry more than one cc on your trip and use virtual cc when paying online.

[@julianmarshall2127]

I don't have credit cards,but I use debit cards.this just gave me an idea.anytime I'm traveling,I would keep a low amount of cash on my primary card and use that.i would then transfer money from my secondary card to the primary one as needed.i have online banking with both banks so I can easily transfer funds from one bank to the other.would only do that once I'm comfortable using a secure Internet connection

[@NJgateway]

On a side note, this man's eyes are mesmerizing!

[@SilverfoxJB]

No way In the world I am handing my card to anyone (including in the US). If I can't dab and go or insert the card myself and insert my PIN. It ain't happening. I went to a Starbucks in Brunei. They tried to take my card, I said no and dabbed my card on the machine and the payment went through. Then they asked for my full card number, I asked why they needed it. They said the machine wasn't connected to the POS machine. I told them that wasn't my problem, as the payment had gone through. Not sure if it was an attempted scan, but was for sure weird, especially as the staff member told me he wasn't a scammer, even though I never suggested he was.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That's a good rule to follow. And yeah, that sounds super sketchy!

[@Number6_]

He was a scammer. As is the company.

[@philip5899]

I pay for a passport card and carry that with me. Bought a Rabbit card in BKk BTS with it. I set alert messages in my bank so that every transaction is emailed to me. I go to an ATM where there are people using it, then you know it. I set up a security cam in my hotel room every where I go. Just a few tips to share .

[@ProjectUntethered]

Please explain how the security cam works!

[@richardclausen154]

Also very interested in your security cam setup!

[@ClarityDetermination]

That is great. Which type of camera did you choose to use for a hotel room?

[@Mr.DJones]

@@ProjectUntethered Well, the guy didn't reply after four months. But you can buy single cameras at tech stores (or Costco which is my second home), set it up in your hotel room, and have it tuned to your phone. I don't think it is that complicated.

[@lindahuynh9438]

​@@Mr.DJones Thank you 😊

[@animated000]

Even in the US, I hold onto the menu until paycheck. "We might want to order something else later"

[@ProjectUntethered]

That’s very smart!

[@sympathietrager343]

That scam with simcards happened to us when we travelled to Istanbul. We arrived at the airport Sabia Gökcen on the Asian side and got 2 simcards for around 30 US$ each at a seemingly official Turkcell counter. It was expensive but we needed internet urgently and thought "f*** it". They told us that the cards would get activated after 15 to 30 mins. So we left the airport and were wondering why this didn't happen. After we left, we couldn't get back into the airport to complain. The next day we went to an official Turkcell store in the center of Istanbul and there they told us that we were sold 2 empty simcars that needed to get charged, 20 Gigabytes were like 5 US$. We were super pissed. Fortunately that was the only scam we experienced on this trip.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That is the worst - especially when you're desperate to connect!

[@1bluensx]

Turkey is one of the worst. I think one of the 5 in scammers in world. Also. Egypt, Prague, Brazil, Vietnam, and Mexico

[@vaska1999]

Never leave a vendor's until your new card has been activated and is fully functional.

[@sympathietrager343]

@@vaska1999 No shit.

[@thelaundress11]

Get an eSIM. DON’T bother with physical SIM cards anymore

[@notmyname8527]

When exchanging US dollars or paying at a restaurant take a photo of the bill so they dont return it with a fake saying you gave a fake. Also if you keep money in your hotel safe take a pic of the bills. If they steal the money you will know if they exchange it with a fake , you will not know for quite a while and then you wont know who gave you the fake.

[@BarnaliD]

Hotel safes aren't really safe for your credit cards. The management and others have an unlock code. When I was in Peru, there was a note on the safe, from management stating they were not responsible for lost or stolen items from your SAFE!

[@callende]

Great tip! I was scammed by a local store in Bakersfield, CA, USA. I paid cash to have a Western Union sent to someone. The person I sent the WU to said they couldn't get the money because the transaction was canceled. I contacted WU directly, and they said the merchant (local store) canceled the WU (after I left the store with the receipt in hand) because I had given them a fake $100. Police were called. No help. Police said they couldn't recognize the bill on video, so my loss. I went as far as contacting the U.S. Secret Service to report, and the agent said that they had more important matters to direct their attention to... "like protecting the President of the United States." That was 2010. Today, when using cash in any transaction with large bills, I insist the clerk check the bill in front of me using that counterfeit money marker.

[@monikamichaelis-iw3to]

I was wondering why you wore a cap in a warm country, baldy.

[@AndiAndrea]

Even in the U.S. I have been scammed with menu prices. I always politely ask if I may hold on to the hard copy menu until later. The server is often annoyed, but they allow it in most cases. If not, then I take photos of the items I ordered

[@ProjectUntethered]

That's very smart! Do you remember where you got scammed?

[@mellocello187]

Doubt it. Why not ask them to bring the menu back? Never heard of that anywhere in the US. The menu scams are because the travelers don’t speak the language. Do you speak English? Did you call the police?

[@kzarz0219]

Thanks for the video. If i'm not mistaken, T-mobile has an international plan. I opted for that instead of dealing SIM cards. When I go out in a foreign city, I carry a copy of my passport. Great idea taking a photo of that menu.

[@operavin]

Same. TMobile international plan. Got burned in 2009 with a $2000 bill but it’s included now.

[@christopherm5958]

Are you supposed to keep your passport on you? I never do. I leave it in the hotel safe. I carry about a hundred worth in local currency and tuck half away in an inside pocket. I've never had problems, and if I felt intimidated at the last moment, I would give the hidden cash. I also have a 40 dollar watch and no other jewelry. Does any of this make sense?

[@tessajones9393]

The staff of the hotel can get into the safe. I carry original passports and copies, then show copies when needed and say the original is in the safe. In case they're a scammer.

[@christopherm5958]

@@tessajones9393 Great advice, thanks

[@lesliehunter1823]

Smart!

[@christopherm5958]

@@tessajones9393 good point I'll remember that. TY

[@albelanger6126]

Another tip. Always carry 2 credit cardS. One with a very low credit ($500) & your regular one. We mostly use the low credit one & pay it off every night when we travel.

[@rjw8316]

Excellent idea....I will do that. Thanks.

[@callende]

great tip! thank you!!

[@7thlady]

My daughter and I had the "plainclothes police" shakedown in the subway in Paris. It was a crew with a lady who spoke broken English and two burly men. We should have kept walking when they tried to stop us but once they had us cornered we were scared and paid the "fine."

[@MariA-bu2jv]

Yep, this happened to me in Paris 😐

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow this seems like a common one in Paris! What were they charging you for?

[@DavidWilliams-qr5yj]

Never pay a fine directly to an officer ! Unless your in a corrupt Asian country where their money is practically worthless, it's then easier to loose a couple of bucks of local currency

[@sophiadc]

Last year in Bangkok, a random guy came over to us on a street just being friendly, "hey, where're you from?", "what are you going to see?". Then he started to comment on some temples and history. When we told him we were going to see the big Gold Buddha, he said that sadly the temple is closed (he came up with some plausible reason) that day but another temple worth visiting is close by and that he'd call a tuk tuk for us. Miracously, a tuk tuk just stopped in front of us out of nowhere and my husband was ready to hop in but I faked I had to get back to the hotel and change because I was too hot. I think our "friendly guide" realized then that I knew it was a scam so he didn't push any further and went away. Only then I explained my husband that I've heard of this scam before on KZbin actually. A taxi driver or some stranger will tell you that some tourist attraction is closed for the day and bring you to some low profile place that charges extra. Plus they charge more for the ride itself.

[@girlwithnoname77]

This happened to us is l in 2001! We wanted to go to the big Buddha and was told it was closed, and instead the "cheap" tok tok took us around to various shops so he can get petrol vouchers and what not. It was a very frustrating experience as we didn't know what was happening until too late.

[@morrisyarnell6083]

We were scammed in France with the phony gold ring scam. We had to pay for a ring that we were told could be ours but it was not. We were traveling using Rick Steves guide book and if we would have read just two pages farther in the book we would have been warned about this. We have the ring to this day and are 40 euros poorer but have a great story to remember it by. Don't buy the ring it is very shiny brass. We were so gullible it is ridiculous.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That's a bummer - at least you have a story and a fake ring out of it! I think all travelers are doomed to fall for a scam eventually. Watching videos and listening to stories like this can help you avoid them, but there's so many sneaky people out there, eventually we all get caught off guard - so don't feel bad!

[@nadanedd1131]

I tried paying 149 Turkish Lira for a waffle in Turkey, by card. It was declined. Suddenly I began receiving messages from my bank. Apparently I was being scammed out of 149 EUROS by the shop - but the bank prevented that. In any case, the bank is one of the oldest in Australia and trying to re-activate my cards was a nightmare. In the end they sent me a new card - only one, not two cards. As I was waiting in my room to be summoned downstairs to receive and sign for it, I got a knock on the door from hotel staff, who just brought it to me! The courier just handed it over. 😡 Moral of the story, next time I'll arm myself with 3 cards from 3 different banks !

[@scottfree993]

Even 149 liras for a waffle is a total rip off in Turkey, that's a red flag in itself right there.

[@osakipokima]

I got scammed at the train station in Madrid. a guy was trying to help me buy a train ticket on the kiosks. then he said he was living on the street and just needed €20 to pay for the other half of his train ticket to see his family. I was reluctant but decided to help him out. I come back 2 days later to the train station and see him doing the same thing to other people. I tried confronting him when he was trying to scam someone else but he jus shooed me away.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Grr that's so annoying! At least you can be proud that you had a helping heart 😇

[@williamaungleyraud]

Always beware of overly helpful people. True kindness still exists, but it generally never comes along with an excuse, meaning, genuine people don't justify themselves for being kind towards strangers. Take this as a rule of thumb.

[@theukyankee]

That happens a lot in England as well, especially in London.

[@tessajones9393]

I've seen people doing that as full-time work in Sydney and Brisbane Australia. (Where I'm from) So I presume it's everywhere.

[@FinancialFreedomLifestyle]

Good to know! thank you for sharing.

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

In Canada you NEVER give your card to anybody! You tap it or swipe it. I'd never let anyone TOUCH or SEE my debit or credit cards !!!

[@mrsavant6214]

Thank you so much for your excellent video on avoiding scams. It will help alot of international travelers! I was a victim of a data plan scam in Thailand. I bought what I thought was a 30-day plan and paid plenty for it but it actually expired in 3 days. This was at a multi-story retail building near Central World Mall in central Bangkok. The whole building was filled with kiosks with retailers exclusively from India. No Thai people.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Sounds like this scam happens in many different countries 😒

[@sharonwhite7707]

Thai people are no better, the ones at the airport sell empty SIM cards. You need to choose calling capability as well so they activate it properly.

[@cylindamallory]

Do not take any kind of taxi in Peru ! We had heard this , but at the airport they had the official taxis of Peru - they were all wearing badge and all had same color cars and vans - so we went with them- the driver told us one price when we got in the cab , and when we got to our hotel the price went way up - and my husband said no - but he still made a big fuss as if we were ripping him off - so I always READ about transportation in every country I visit!!!!!!!! 2) scam nu# 2- don’t take anything you are handed , small paper , cute animals, sample - 3) I dont use booking anymore

[@ToriE1073]

We stopped using Booking too

[@gumonthepants]

I'm heading to Iquitos Peru in the Amazon end of the month. They got the tuk-tuk taxis there, pretty cheap. I plan on drawing out enough soles at the airport layover in Lima and use their cash.

[@alltogethernow121]

I keep falling for the restaurant - "not on the menu" special... Happened in Istanbul, Bangkok, Mexico City, and Tokyo. Think by now I would have learned my lesson... guess I like to pay 5 times the price for a meal. My wife says I'm too trusting.

[@ProjectUntethered]

My wife says that too 😂 Most people are good. So it's sad that the few bad eggs make it so we have to put up our guards more.

[@AnnaBanana-rq9vh]

We travel to Mexico a lot and have ordered off menu a lot and fortunately never had an issue! Ugh.

[@ClarityDetermination]

Trusting? That's the word? 😅

[@jennifers6435]

Unlimited scammers on the internet…no need to travel

[@Kazoom28]

We get scammed even locally (Not travelling), so just learn to be smart and careful.

[@DavidWilliams-qr5yj]

How is Booking letting this go on !!!! Another apps compromised ???

[@ProjectUntethered]

Someone else commented that they experienced it on Agoda as well 😑

[@DavidWilliams-qr5yj]

@ProjectUntethered thanks I have used agoda extensively

[@niamarieturek9281]

My husband and I have been spending more time traveling our own country. So much to see that we will never see it all!

[@frankmaxwell5193]

Re number one, how does the restaurant allow the guy in uniform to stand outside their premises. Surely they know the scam ??

[@DovidM]

The “daily special” in any restaurant may not be the best option. For example, a resto may normally sell a 100 plates of fried fish on Sunday night. If business was off on Sunday, then Monday’s special may be the fish that the restaurant now has too much of. Similarly, if the restaurant expects Wednesday lunch to be extra busy, then they may promote a daily special that takes very little time to prepare like cottage cheese on lettuce.

[@Richard.Cabeza]

Always ask how much. Always take photos of prices. Always keep a total of what you are buying and make sure it makes at checkout. Always check and confirm prices.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wise words!

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

When I was in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, I rented a Kayak. So far so good. After a few minutes on the water, the end of the paddle magically fell off. When I returned, the owner got very pushy and demanded that I pay for the "damaged" paddle. I stood my ground and refused his threats. When I walked away, I saw his buddy rig the same paddles to fall off and hand them off to the next customers. Also, when eating at restaurants, make sure to see the menu in the country's official language. Often times they'll double or triple the price of food on an English only menu.

[@ProjectUntethered]

The "Paddle Scam" might make it's way into a video someday!

[@TrixieTricks]

Good information! Thank you.

[@pandemicoftheunvaccinated5367]

When in thai, I carry a laminated copy of my biological passport page with visa on the reverse side. They reduce it to a credit card size so easy to carry.

[@ProjectUntethered]

I love this idea - I might try it myself!

[@pandemicoftheunvaccinated5367]

@ProjectUntethered There's a camera/photo shop near cheap charlies on soi buakhao in pattaya-they will do it for you at around 200 baht.

[@Syl839]

Who reduces it to a credit card size?

[@pandemicoftheunvaccinated5367]

@@Syl839 The photo shop near cheap charlies on soi buakhao.

[@terry_willis]

With all these food/restaurant scams, I'm starting to wonder what goes on out of sight in the kitchen. Aldulterated food, spitting in food, dropped on floor, etc. Yuk. I'm going on a diet.

[@kanchanananayakkara8959]

Wow! Bless you both for educating us!! Really informative!❤

[@shameekbhattacharya956]

Very very informative blog. Immensely helpful to regular international travellers. No words of appreciation could be adequate.

[@user-bc7ow4wb7x]

We never give our credit cards to pay for our meals. If the waiter cannot bring the machine, we go to the machine. There are scams everywhere even in Canada.

[@susanjoy1501]

I've had problems with sim cards in Indonesia. So helpful your videos

[@donnahampton3632]

This happened to a man I went to dinner with. They skimmed his card in a back room. He found out a month later that his checking account was almost empty due to purchases in towns from Florida to Texas. He doesn't use his banking app, and he doesn't check his transactions daily, or it would have been stopped sooner.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Oh no! This is another reason it's recommended to use credit cards over debit cards. They have some more protections in place for situations like these.

[@donnahampton3632]

@@ProjectUntethered From Visa website: "Visa's Zero Liability Policy* is our guarantee that you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your account or account information. You're protected if your Visa credit or debit card is lost, stolen or fraudulently used, online or offline." Same protection for debit or credit.

[@williamlee7782]

Went to Florionopolis, Brazil for three weeks around 2011/2012. Was dumbfounded by the costs of eating out. Hole in the wall places came out to around $25-$30USD per person with no drinks. I know this was an expensive beach town but I couldn't help but to had felt we were being overcharged. Maybe my friends and I were taken advantage of or maybe prices are crazy there. Food wasn't even great for the price.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That definitely sounds too pricey for a hole in the wall place!

[@ahmosenefertari6397]

Brazil can be expensive, specially wheb youbare ordering close to the beaxh, but this price were for how many people?

[@mil-h5977]

Thank you so much for sharing your stories and tips. Greatly appreciated it!

[@power4things]

Notifications from anyone should always be verified by a separate call to the (hotel, airline, bank, gov agency, police, merchant) to verify if it's from them. 99% of the time, not. The ATM touch pad not completing your session was a new one for me, good call. The worst one was setting up a subscription in a foreign country on credit card, then trying to cancel ... not just SIM cards, you need to watch this for hotels and rental car agencies also, they charge (phony) damage, minibar, gas, etc. to your card long after you checked out and/or turned in the car. More and more banks are now offering the option of 2-party verification by SMS or text for any transactions attempted on the card. Another reason to have good int'l roaming ...

[@ProjectUntethered]

These are great tips! I'll try to include them in a future video ;)

[@verothomas1524]

Yup. International roaming.

[@f.a.q.english7710]

I love your English, shared with ppl learning the language

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks for the compliment! I've had some people comment making fun of the way I talk, but I think it's because I've subconsciously trained myself to speak slow and clear since my wife isn't a native speaker 😇

[@leot9073]

The first one happened to my friend in Cancun and under up with a $400 bill for 2 people

[@bethearl8686]

OMG. Thank you so much!

[@derekweekley1792]

I'm a new subscriber. Great job on the vid's. You have some great info and some good refresher tips as well. When everything goes right for a while, you can forget and drop your guard. Peace!

[@ProjectUntethered]

I'm honored to have you as a subscriber!! 😇🙌

[@bethnewman4777]

Excellent video with advice and suggestions that other videos do not have! Thank you!

[@terry_willis]

His advice: "Don't get super drunk on the street". Dodged a bullet. I never thought of that.

[@user-xg6yc8ho3w]

I use Google Fi to travel and live abroad. It doesn't matter what country I go to, Google Fi will automatically piggy back on the best local provider so as soon as your plane lands, you already have mobile phone and data. No extra rates and nothing to do on your part. Stress free.

[@mattbradley3245]

Yep, me too. Google Fi makes it all so much easier.

[@ProjectUntethered]

I've heard great things about Google Fi! The only downside is I believe they limit how much time you can spend abroad. I've heard many stories of people getting their plans cancelled after a few months. But for shorter trips, it seems like a great option.

[@user-xg6yc8ho3w]

@@ProjectUntethered Yes it's true. They state more than 6 months and your plan "may" get paused until you re-enter the USA again. But I was living in Russia for 10 months before and during the invasion of Ukraine and then flew directly to Turkey for 3 months (for total 12 months abroad), and Google Fi sent me a message that my account would be paused if I don't return to the US within 30 days. Although they didn't send me that message until I had already been out of the US for about 9 months. Then they paused it like they said. It automatically resumed the first day I came back to America.(I think there is no pausing for Canada and Mexico though)

[@ProjectUntethered]

@user-xg6yc8ho3w that is very interesting - thanks for sharing!

[@bernadette7000]

yes, about three months@@ProjectUntethered

[@newgabe09]

Thanks so much for the Esim discount code. I just signed up for my next travel destination to check out how it goes and with your code it cost me almost nothing :)

[@ProjectUntethered]

You're very welcome!!

[@elnamayberry]

At a restaurant here in Ontario, they bring the machine to the table and you never have to let your card out of your hand to pay. Interesting to hear about the tap ATM - I have never seen that as an option, but I will be sure not to use it. You have some great advice and information. I just wish my phone could accept an e-sim card but it's not compatible; maybe with my next phone.

[@BrianRP1209]

When I’m finished at an ATM I always make sure my account is logged out.

[@astrolingus]

Thank you for your knowledge! I really appreciate it. 😘

[@diemt.7023]

Thank you for your tips.

[@DanielFernandez-jv7jx]

Super helpful! Thank you! I am following.

[@bzb2932]

Your content is invaluable! Thanks.

[@truckn]

*Last time in Vietnam a restaurant owner was freaking out on me thinking I was taking a photo of his menue when all I was doing was using Google translate so I could read the darn thing. Maybe the he's one of those menu swapping places. I still Love Vietnam and we should be there in Feb or March 2024. I Like the Sim card tip, I'm checking your links on that next, Be Safe*

[@alexaeden7477]

Or he may have thought you were stealing his business secrets ..js 😅

[@jamconstruccion1737]

Currently I don't know what the situation is like. In Brazil three years ago you couldn't get a SIM without having what they call CPF, a registration with the Treasury, the passport was not valid to buy it. The solution was to buy a prepaid card in someone else's name. In many shopping centers there were people who sold them, quite cheaply, and then you recharged as the data was used up.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah, we had read that it could be tricky, but we decided to go ask in the official stores just in case to see if things had changed. When they said they could start a plan for us no problem, we just trusted them!

[@ahmosenefertari6397]

You can buy a prepaid with no CPF. But then you need to charge ir later.

[@rubyramey7998]

I got a false charge from chik fila in Dallas airport. I flew thru there in September and used my debit card for food. The card never left my hand. Then 2 months later I got another charge and I was in NC.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yikes! It’s a good thing you noticed it!

[@Isadorka1]

I'm living in Hungary and suddenly restaurant charges began to appear on my statement from the UK??? First it was modest 30 pounds but the 5th charge was 95 pounds. I've never been to the UK - thankfully, the bank took care of it for me but I still don't know how it happened.

[@jalatlaco9827]

Another I just heard about on Hacking Humans podcast is in the US. As you pass a toll you get a text saying your "EZ Pass" (or whatever toll payment) didn't work, and click here to pay. But you' would be paying the scammers if you did that. So either the EZ Pass system has been breached and/or the scammers can tell where you are (smart phone location?) and send the text. Either way it's scary.

[@MekoUnknown]

The passport one is tricky. In Japan not having your passport on you is actually grounds for arrest.

[@thehun1234]

I can not believe that in the US you still hand over your card to the waiter. In Hungary and most European countries this practice has stopped years ago. All cards have RF chips, so you just touch with the card the portable terminal the waiter brings to your table to pay. In shops and supermarkets the situation is the same. I have not let my card leave my hand for about 5 years. One warning about European restaurants, in lot of countries, for example, France, Germany, Italy, the service charge is included in the price and the waiters are getting a decent wage, nothing like in the US, where I believe they do not even get the prescribed minimum wage. This service charge is indicated on the menu, but in most cases only in the local language. The typical American tourist does not notice this, then adds the ususal 20% tip just like at home, and then complains about the high restaurant prices in Europe. If you are uncertain, you can always ask the waiter if the prices include the service.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah I have no idea why we're still so old-fashioned in the US. It's possible that times are slowly changing and I haven't realized it though - it's probably been a year since I've been to a US restaurant. That's a good Europe travel tip for Americans!

[@thehun1234]

@@ProjectUntethered I forgot to add, if service charge (tip) is not included, 10% is usually acceptable tip in most European countries, mainly because waiters and kitchen staff are getting paid at least the country specific minimum wage.

[@kailynn4483]

There is no service fee included in German restaurants. We usually give 10-15% of the bill as tips.

[@thehun1234]

@@kailynn4483 I have been to Germany lots of times, often staying with locals. When I stayed with locals I always took them to a restaurant as a thank you. Whenever I asked them about tipping at these times they said, just round up the bill to the nearest Euro (or Mark before the Euro was introduced).

[@kailynn4483]

@@thehun1234 I would only do this, if the service was really bad. 😅 But tipping is voluntarily, actually as thanks for good service, and nobody is forced to give tips. Everybody can decide if and how much they want to give. So the method your friends are using, is also okay. 🙂

[@elenfae602]

Your travel tip vids are so good!! Thank you so much for the awesome content

[@ProjectUntethered]

You’re so welcome! Glad to have you as a subscriber! 🤗

[@deborahpacheco2799]

Bringing the credit card machine to you should be adopted in US restaurants

[@fcobarrios19]

They got me with the daily special scam that wasn’t on the menu scam in Rome. From now on I only strictly order from the menu and even point at what I want.

[@myonghan1260]

❤ thank you for Informed ❤

[@jeffholcomb]

I am traveling to Jomtien, Thailand, for 90 days. Do you do any one on one consultations? I just lost my wife to cancer, and I need a break from my life here in the States.

[@ProjectUntethered]

I am so sorry to hear that, it must be extremely difficult. I don't do consultations (and probably am not qualified to do so since I've only spent a few months in Thailand), but I definitely recommend joining some Facebook groups for Thailand and specific cities. They are usually full of great info where you can ask your questions and get tons of more qualified feedback!

[@EEE-jb4zw]

I suggest you watch more videos on how to keep safe while traveling anywhere. I just watched a video where the TSA stole a passenger'$ money at the checkpoint. Don't let that be you, the victim. Always move along with your bags at the checkpoint and always watch the TSA employee. Don't get distracted. Also, watch some videos on how to safely pack your belongings. Put your most valuable items in a ziplock bags and close it, and put it all the way down to the bottom of your backpack/carryon, etc. That is to make it more difficult and it will take longer for the TSA/anyone to just grab your wallet/valuable$. Consider getting a few fitness belts and wear your valuables around your waist (front or back or both) and under your clothes. Good luck.

[@stevierayripple]

Jeff, first off, sorry for your loss. Do check out "Just Burgers" in Jomtien, good people hang out there, Justin, the owner, is super cool. Also, let me know if you are a Vet ? I'll have some other tips for you.. Enjoy Thailand, I know you will.....

[@jeffholcomb]

@stevierayripple I will try Just Burger. No, sir, I am not a Vet.

[@yaowsers77]

i wonder if using atms inside banks abroad would be safer? even here in the us, i'm paranoid about making sure my session is completely done when i'm at the atm.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Oh I for sure think they'd be safer! I always choose a bank or "guarded" ATM when possible, but sometimes there aren't any nearby. One thing that might help with worries is to open a second checking account (like a free online checking account), then only keep a small amount of money in the account that you use to withdraw from the ATM (enough for emergencies though). That way if anyone ever does get access, they amount of damage they can do is limited.

[@yaowsers77]

@@ProjectUntethered that's a very smart idea! I heard of someone doing that for the visa for getting into Brazil because they want some sort of bank statement😳

[@brucehuddler7518]

Some resorts, shopping malls or Restaurants will have a bank ATM inside.

[@ProjectUntethered]

@yaowsers77 that’s a great idea. Our Thailand visas also required bank statements and I also make sure to redact any mention of the account numbers before printing it.

[@user-xs9fp3ic9y]

Not super normal to give your card to the waiter. NEVER LET YOUR CARD BE TAKEN AWAY WITHOUT YOU.

[@Retiredtraveler1961]

Fantastic video, I love to travel, thank you! I got scammed when I was much younger. I was stationed in Italy with the Navy and took a vacation in southern Spain. I was caught by the Guardia Civil (federal police) “speeding”. He told me I could get arrested and go to court or pay him €150. I just paid the money knowing it was a scam so I could get out of there without the hassle. For anybody reading this, ATT allows me to use my phone any country anywhere for $10 a day without having to worry about Sim cards. I don’t normally call unless it’s an emergency. If I have to call, it’s a one off cost, which may be ridiculous, but at least it saves me the hassle of the Sim scam. Had not been aware that ATMs use contact devices, ouch! I will be damn sure to use the card slot..😊

[@maryjanechuckgmail6231]

Here’s another one. We booked a cruise and purchased travel insurance through the cruise line. Within 10 minutes we received an email saying that our insurance was declined and to call them. We figured that it was because we were Canadian and we were purchasing insurance in the USA. I was busy and didn’t call. A week later I checked my account with the cruise line and the charge was still there for the insurance. I called the cruise line, explained the situation. They checked, and said that we had insurance. Had we called the number on the email, I would have “purchased “ insurance and given my credit card information. Be careful folks.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow that sounds super easy to fall for! It seems like nowadays your safest bet is to assume any email is a scam unless proven otherwise. For example, whenever I receive an email with a message from my bank, I always log into the official website and check the message there to make sure it's legit. It's sad that scammers make it so we can't trust anything anymore.

[@verothomas1524]

A bank will never send an official inquiry by text or email. They will snail mail.

[@TDK67DK]

I was only scammed ones in vienna, austria. We booked a 5 person room in a motel area near the 13th district. Everything was fine until we checked out. Some hungarian pimps came over and told us to pay up for the unpaid nights with the girls from one of them. None of us did that because we were 2 couples and one female :D The people in that hostel/motel came over claiming that they have proof. Two of those girls went inside our rooms for around 50 minutes and came out. No one else was seen in the footage and we luckily had a theathre card that had a confirmation email ( thank you greeting + the photo with the group with the offer to buy these pictures as a set). Without that we would have been in some real trouble because the police was oddly on their side... I mean they had footage of the girls going in but not from the time when we left the apartment nor when returned.. Doo step inn was the name. I heard the owners changed but I am not sure. Wouldnt recommend it even if it had good prices. The asked money was also on the lower end probably to make it easier wether to call the police or not. I think they´ve asked for 240€ or something.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow that is crazy! So they went into your room while you were gone at the theatre? That is nuts. Hopefully you left them a bad review online to scare off other travelers from staying there!

[@TDK67DK]

@@ProjectUntethered We did and we also saw reviews of other people talking about similar situations, like broken walls which were presumably not damaged by the guests. I guess they try to scam from time to time with different things.

[@ProjectUntethered]

@TDK67DK wow that’s crazy… seems like nowadays you have to record everything upon arrival to avoid these scammers. Or try to always read reviews beforehand if possible. It’s sad :/

[@DocMook]

Good video. Thank you

[@jwinters9974]

Lesson: Always ensure there's a price tag on items, or to confirm the price if not, before buying - especially at outdoor/farmer's markets We bought maybe 100 gm of common mushrooms at an outdoor market in Lisbon, without an advertised price. When we checked out, they charged like 8 euros. I woke up at 2am that morning, still complaining about the mushrooms..

[@DChatburn1]

Good job - thanks!

[@alexandresaffi3178]

Brazilian here, I'd say that what happened to your sim card wasn't a scam, it was pure and simple lack of organization and proper management from the company, we residents suffer that kind of stuff as well.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Interesting! I don't know if that makes me feel better or worse haha. Either way I wish I would've just paid extra for a travel eSIM.

[@xBaRLoGx]

It's funny that in Prague, most restaurants have Daily (Special) menu, which in fact is cheaper than regular dishes

[@AbsalomMcVey-i1f]

Same throughout Europe.

[@Cantfindahable]

Yeah only Carry a photo copy of your passport info page, and only pay cash! Mind you I’m talking about Thailand and scams are rare

[@WiseGuy02]

What kind of lunatic would go to Colombia?

[@ProjectUntethered]

Me 😇

[@weareallgodschildrenlovefr9556]

🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍​@@ProjectUntethered

[@nancystarkey2916]

Thank you so much for your video. We appreciate it. Thank you again!

[@victoriamakeup1000]

Thanks you so much for your help with information ❤❤❤❤❤

[@kauaiboy5o]

About corrupt cops, similar thing happened to a KZbinr in Naples, Italy. The way the corrupt cops work is that at the end of the day they have to turn the money in to the sergeant then up to the chain of command. A percent will go to supplement the police operation and what's left will go back down the chain of command to the cops, each taking their cut along the way. In the US, cities, counties, towns have in their yearly budget how much money the police will collect from parking and traffic/moving violations. The last month of the cycle is when you see lots of cops around because they had not met their quota. In the end its the same objective by different means. The corrupt cops know the money they collected belong to the police department. They don't want to loose their coveted job security.

[@MrRomanpa]

Brilliant, thanks

[@avayu2289]

Third world countries are not on my travel destinations. 🤓 Japan has gone down the gutter, so always stay in 5 star plus areas.